Above: an AirTran plane

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The AirTran era is no more.

The US carrier, which was acquired by Southwest Airlines in 2011, made its final flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Tampa Bay International Airport last week.

“With this special flight, we are celebrating history and setting our sights on a bright future for all of Southwest Airlines,” said Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer and AirTran Airways President. “The work of so many People culminates in this moment as we salute the enormous accomplishments of AirTran and Southwest. For our Customers and Employees, we now move forward with one airline, one Customer Experience, one flight schedule, one Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program, and one award-winning Brand.”

AirTran made its first commercial flight in 1993. Many of its routes, particularly to the Caribbean, now fly under the Southwest flag.

“As we’ve grown in both the domestic and international markets, I can’t help but think about all the doors the AirTran acquisition has opened for Southwest Airlines,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President & CEO.